Julio Cesar Martinez plans to make a big statement against Roman Gonzalez on March 5.
Julio Cesar Martinez won’t be fighting just anyone on March 5 in Temecula, California (DAZN). He’ll be tangling with one of the greatest little fighters of all time, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Does that faze Martinez? Not in the least. This is exactly the kind of fight he has been seeking.
“I’m actually motivated, excited to be facing a strong opponent like Chocolatito because we’re in boxing to face big challenges,” he told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “… Like I’ve always said, I’m very proud to be facing the best.
“I’m in the sport of boxing to face best and to show that I am the best.”
Julio Cesar Martinez lost his pro debut but has won every fight since. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
Martinez (18-1, 14 KOs) is already considered the best at 112 pounds, a weight at which he holds the WBC title. However, for this fight, he is moving up to 115 to take on the former four-division beltholder on late notice.
Gonzalez (50-3, 41 KOs) was set to face rival Juan Francisco Estrada but Estrada pulled out after contracting COVID-19 and Martinez agreed to step in.
The Mexican had planned to become a full-fledged 115-pounder in the future but couldn’t resist the opportunity to take part in a fight of this magnitude immediately.
And the added weight shouldn’t be a problem for him: He has fought above 112 pounds – as high as 118½ – in 12 of his 19 fights. He has eight knockouts in those 12 fights, an indication that he can hurt anyone.
Can he do the same to Gonzalez, who has been stopped only once? That’s the plan.
“We’re looking to do, like they say, not leave it in the hands of the judges,” he said. “… I’m looking to make history. God willing, I’ll be able to do that.”
If he wins, even if it’s by decision, Martinez will be perceived differently. He already has a great deal of respect, having won and defended his title four times. A victory over Gonzalez would garner him pound-for-pound consideration.
That’s what happens when you take down a legend. As he put it, “It would be a big jump in my career.”
That could lead to big, lucrative junior bantamweight fights against Estrada and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Gonzalez’s arch rivals. He could also target 115-pound titleholders Jerwin Ancajas or Kazuto Ioka.
However, he insists he has some unfinished business at 112 pounds. He had been targeting fellow titleholder Sunny Edwards when he got the call to fight Gonzalez. He’d still like to face Edwards in a title-unification bout.
Then, if things go well, he’d make his move to 115.
“I want to be [unified] champion at that weight,” he said. “That means I have to go back down in weight to fight Edwards. God willing, that will happen. Then I will immediately face Estrada at [junior bantamweight].
“I want to fight the best. I want to leave no doubts about me being the best.”
Carlos Cuadras is still dreaming of dominating the deep 115-pound division.
Carlos Cuadras was disappointed when he learned that Srisaket Sor Rungvisai pulled out of his fight this Saturday in Phoenix. And he’s determined to avenge two losses to rival Juan Francisco Estrada, including an 11th-round knockout in his most-recent bout.
However, his focus at the moment is squarely on unbeaten Jesse Rodriguez, who replaced Sor Rungvisai in the upcoming bout for a vacant secondary WBC title at Footprint Center (DAZN).
“I have no plans right now,” Cuadras told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “First, I have to walk away with my hand [raised] in victory. Then I’ll talk to my promoter, Mr. Honda. He knows the best decision for my career.
“I’m going to wait and see what he says. I’m ready for anything.”
Cuadras (39-4-1, 27 KOs) was ready for Estrada in their rematch, in October 2020. The Mexicans gave fans a memorable war before the WBC champ put Cuadras down twice in Round 11 and stopped him in Mexico City.
That was Cuadras’ first title fight since 2016, when Roman Gonzalez took the WBC belt from him. “Chocolatito” would lose it to Sor Rungvisai, who would then hand it over to Estrada.
Estrada is currently the WBC’s “franchise” champion, meaning he’s the sanctioning body’s top titleholder.
“I learned not to fall into his style,” said Cuadras, referring to what he took away from the Estrada fight. “My style is faster, I move my legs more. It was an error standing and exchanging with him when I know how to fight a different way.
“… If I fight my fight, I win a wide decision.”
Cuadras could get a third shot at Estrada, although things got complicated because of the coronavirus.
He was part of an informal tournament that was designed to produce the top champion at 115 pounds, him vs. Sor Rungvisai on Saturday and Estrada vs. Gonzalez on March 5. The winners would then have fought one another for junior bantamweight supremacy.
However, first Estrada and then Sor Rungvisai contracted COVID-19 and everything changed. Cuadras has Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) on Saturday and Gonzalez will now fight respected flyweight champ Julio Cesar Martinez next month.
There are still compelling fights on the horizon, however. Cuadras would love a shot at the Gonzalez-Martinez winner or go directly into a third fight with Estrada. Both of those fights would give him a chance to win another full championship.
Cuadras probably is the least accomplished of the big four. He’s 1-3 in fights against them, the victory coming against Sor Rungvisai. Estrada is 4-2, Sor Rungvisai 3-2 and Gonzalez 2-3.
Cuadras is proud to be grouped with his rivals, who have produced a series of classic brawls. They’re collectively a sort of mini version of the great Four Kings, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Ray Leonard.
And there are more fights to come among them, even as they continue to age. Cuadras is 33.
“It’s really an honor to be compared to those legends,” he said. “I want to move forward and continue to be compared to them. … I have two or three years or more. When I feel I’m in decline, I’ll say, ‘OK, this is the end.’ Look at Nonito Donaire, though. He’s a world champion at 39. And he gave us a great fight [against Naoya Inoue].
“I feel I can also keep going. I feel good, I feel strong. I would like to get all four belts in the division like Canelo [Alvarez]. That’s what I want to accomplish.”
Of course, he has to get past Rodriguez first. The brother of 115-pound contender Joshua Franco is on a roll, having stopped his last six opponents. However, he is taking a big step up in class against the experienced Cuadras. And he’s moving up in weight.
Easy win for Cuadras? He can’t afford to look at it that way with so much at stake.
“I know he’s less experienced than I am,” Cuadras said. “That could make him dangerous. He’s young (22). He has all the momentum. He won’t give up easily. … I know I have a tough test ahead of me.
“I won’t go in overconfident. I’ve worked too hard to achieve this win.”
Carlos Cuadras is still dreaming of dominating the deep 115-pound division.
Carlos Cuadras was disappointed when he learned that Srisaket Sor Rungvisai pulled out of his fight this Saturday in Phoenix. And he’s determined to avenge two losses to rival Juan Francisco Estrada, including an 11th-round knockout in his most-recent bout.
However, his focus at the moment is squarely on unbeaten Jesse Rodriguez, who replaced Sor Rungvisai in the upcoming bout for a vacant secondary WBC title at Footprint Center (DAZN).
“I have no plans right now,” Cuadras told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “First, I have to walk away with my hand [raised] in victory. Then I’ll talk to my promoter, Mr. Honda. He knows the best decision for my career.
“I’m going to wait and see what he says. I’m ready for anything.”
Cuadras (39-4-1, 27 KOs) was ready for Estrada in their rematch, in October 2020. The Mexicans gave fans a memorable war before the WBC champ put Cuadras down twice in Round 11 and stopped him in Mexico City.
That was Cuadras’ first title fight since 2016, when Roman Gonzalez took the WBC belt from him. “Chocolatito” would lose it to Sor Rungvisai, who would then hand it over to Estrada.
Estrada is currently the WBC’s “franchise” champion, meaning he’s the sanctioning body’s top titleholder.
“I learned not to fall into his style,” said Cuadras, referring to what he took away from the Estrada fight. “My style is faster, I move my legs more. It was an error standing and exchanging with him when I know how to fight a different way.
“… If I fight my fight, I win a wide decision.”
Cuadras could get a third shot at Estrada, although things got complicated because of the coronavirus.
He was part of an informal tournament that was designed to produce the top champion at 115 pounds, him vs. Sor Rungvisai on Saturday and Estrada vs. Gonzalez on March 5. The winners would then have fought one another for junior bantamweight supremacy.
However, first Estrada and then Sor Rungvisai contracted COVID-19 and everything changed. Cuadras has Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) on Saturday and Gonzalez will now fight respected flyweight champ Julio Cesar Martinez next month.
There are still compelling fights on the horizon, however. Cuadras would love a shot at the Gonzalez-Martinez winner or go directly into a third fight with Estrada. Both of those fights would give him a chance to win another full championship.
Cuadras probably is the least accomplished of the big four. He’s 1-3 in fights against them, the victory coming against Sor Rungvisai. Estrada is 4-2, Sor Rungvisai 3-2 and Gonzalez 2-3.
Cuadras is proud to be grouped with his rivals, who have produced a series of classic brawls. They’re collectively a sort of mini version of the great Four Kings, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Ray Leonard.
And there are more fights to come among them, even as they continue to age. Cuadras is 33.
“It’s really an honor to be compared to those legends,” he said. “I want to move forward and continue to be compared to them. … I have two or three years or more. When I feel I’m in decline, I’ll say, ‘OK, this is the end.’ Look at Nonito Donaire, though. He’s a world champion at 39. And he gave us a great fight [against Naoya Inoue].
“I feel I can also keep going. I feel good, I feel strong. I would like to get all four belts in the division like Canelo [Alvarez]. That’s what I want to accomplish.”
Of course, he has to get past Rodriguez first. The brother of 115-pound contender Joshua Franco is on a roll, having stopped his last six opponents. However, he is taking a big step up in class against the experienced Cuadras. And he’s moving up in weight.
Easy win for Cuadras? He can’t afford to look at it that way with so much at stake.
“I know he’s less experienced than I am,” Cuadras said. “That could make him dangerous. He’s young (22). He has all the momentum. He won’t give up easily. … I know I have a tough test ahead of me.
“I won’t go in overconfident. I’ve worked too hard to achieve this win.”
Good, bad, worse: The elite 115-pounders setthe standard for best-vs.-best action.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
The lightweights could learn from the junior bantamweights.
While the top 135-pounders talk incessantly about fighting one another, the 115-pounders are actually doing so, which isn’t lost on devoted fans.
Titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez this week finalized the third fight in their classic rivalry, which will take place March 5 in Temecula, California. Meanwhile, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras will meet for a second time on Feb. 5 in Glendale, Arizona. The winners of those fights are expected to face one another in one more can’t-miss showdown of elite warriors.
And get this: Estrada, Gonzalez, Sor Rungvisai and Cuadras have already fought one another a total of 10 times. How many elite fighters in any other division face each other that often?
I hope the lightweight stars – and anyone else reluctant to face best possible opposition – are paying attention.
Of course, the junior bantamweights are handled by people who are willing to work with one another. The top lightweights are more divided by promotional and managerial rivalries, which makes is difficult to make fights. That’s an ongoing problem in boxing, with no end in sight.
I also have a hunch the 135-pounders and their handlers are more concerned about the impact a loss might have on their earning power. Guess what? Fans have never cared about losses as long as they get competitive, entertaining fights.
Estrada, Gonzalez, Sor Rungvisai and Cuadras have a combined 15 losses and the coming fights will still do good business because fans know what they will get, great wars.
Give the fans what they want. It’ll pay off.
BAD
Luis Nunez prevented what would’ve been a miserable night for Dominican prospects Friday on Showtime.
Nunez (16-0, 12 KOs) knocked out Carlos Arrieta (14-1, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico in the 10th and final round of their 130-pound bout, his second consecutive victory over a previously unbeaten opponent on national TV in the U.S.
He appears to have the ability and power to become a major player between 126 and 130 pounds.
That can’t necessarily be said for his countrymen Edwin De Los Santos and Starling Castillo, who also were unbeaten going into Friday’s card in Orlando, Florida.
De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs) looked like a beast in the opening round but soon faded when it became clear he couldn’t take out William Foster III as he had overmatched opponents in the Dominican Republic.
Foster withstood the early pressure and outworked De Los Santos the rest of the way to win a split decision that should’ve been unanimous.
Finally, short, stocky Otar Eranosyan (11-0, 6 KOs) stole the show by overwhelming Starling Castillo (16-1, 12 KOs) with relentless pressure, which made it difficult for the Dominican to do anything. The Georgian won a unanimous decision in the eight-round lightweight bout.
Those who watched “ShoBox: The New Generation” on Friday will want to see Eranosyan fight again. And he could become a player at 135 pounds. How does a showdown of “Pitbulls” – Eranosyan vs. Isaac Cruz – sound?
BAD
Some people are asking about my 2022 goals
Here they are
1. Buy Mayweather Promotions and save them from bankruptcy
2. Hire stylist for Floyd Mayweather
3. Take selfie with Oprah
4. Go 2 chiropractor 2 heal back from carrying the sport of boxing
Jake Paul was just talking … er, posting. That’s what he does.
Tony Bellew blasted the YouTuber-turned-boxer after Paul declared on social media that he carries the sport of boxing. “You couldn’t carry the jockstrap of a proper BOXER son,” Bellew, the former cruiserweight champ, responded on Twitter.
I had the same reaction initially. I wanted to say to Paul, “A Canelo Alvarez workout would generate bigger pay-per-view numbers than your fights,” even if that’s not true. I thought better of it, though.
Paul’s shtick is pushing people’s buttons, that and doing outrageous things. That’s how he gets attention. And the attention translates to money, of which he has a great deal.
He’s smart. And, yes, he’s bringing news eyes to boxing. That can’t be bad.
Also, he has never claimed to be an elite boxer, only a beginner who works hard and is learning quickly. That’s true. He knows after a few years in the gym that he’ll lose if he faces a more-advanced boxer.
I’m impressed with Paul’s savvy. And I’m mildly amused by him, both out of the ring and in it. He definitely deserves some props for the viral shot that ended Tyron Woodley’s night last month.
My advice to Bellew and others who think (with only minimal justification) that Paul is hijacking boxing: Don’t take him too seriously. He’s not hurting anyone except the non-boxers he faces.
Good, bad, worse: The elite 115-pounders setthe standard for best-vs.-best action.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
The lightweights could learn from the junior bantamweights.
While the top 135-pounders talk incessantly about fighting one another, the 115-pounders are actually doing so, which isn’t lost on devoted fans.
Titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez this week finalized the third fight in their classic rivalry, which will take place March 5 in Temecula, California. Meanwhile, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras will meet for a second time on Feb. 5 in Glendale, Arizona. The winners of those fights are expected to face one another in one more can’t-miss showdown of elite warriors.
And get this: Estrada, Gonzalez, Sor Rungvisai and Cuadras have already fought one another a total of 10 times. How many elite fighters in any other division face each other that often?
I hope the lightweight stars – and anyone else reluctant to face best possible opposition – are paying attention.
Of course, the junior bantamweights are handled by people who are willing to work with one another. The top lightweights are more divided by promotional and managerial rivalries, which makes is difficult to make fights. That’s an ongoing problem in boxing, with no end in sight.
I also have a hunch the 135-pounders and their handlers are more concerned about the impact a loss might have on their earning power. Guess what? Fans have never cared about losses as long as they get competitive, entertaining fights.
Estrada, Gonzalez, Sor Rungvisai and Cuadras have a combined 15 losses and the coming fights will still do good business because fans know what they will get, great wars.
Give the fans what they want. It’ll pay off.
BAD
Luis Nunez prevented what would’ve been a miserable night for Dominican prospects Friday on Showtime.
Nunez (16-0, 12 KOs) knocked out Carlos Arrieta (14-1, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico in the 10th and final round of their 130-pound bout, his second consecutive victory over a previously unbeaten opponent on national TV in the U.S.
He appears to have the ability and power to become a major player between 126 and 130 pounds.
That can’t necessarily be said for his countrymen Edwin De Los Santos and Starling Castillo, who also were unbeaten going into Friday’s card in Orlando, Florida.
De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs) looked like a beast in the opening round but soon faded when it became clear he couldn’t take out William Foster III as he had overmatched opponents in the Dominican Republic.
Foster withstood the early pressure and outworked De Los Santos the rest of the way to win a split decision that should’ve been unanimous.
Finally, short, stocky Otar Eranosyan (11-0, 6 KOs) stole the show by overwhelming Starling Castillo (16-1, 12 KOs) with relentless pressure, which made it difficult for the Dominican to do anything. The Georgian won a unanimous decision in the eight-round lightweight bout.
Those who watched “ShoBox: The New Generation” on Friday will want to see Eranosyan fight again. And he could become a player at 135 pounds. How does a showdown of “Pitbulls” – Eranosyan vs. Isaac Cruz – sound?
BAD
Some people are asking about my 2022 goals
Here they are
1. Buy Mayweather Promotions and save them from bankruptcy
2. Hire stylist for Floyd Mayweather
3. Take selfie with Oprah
4. Go 2 chiropractor 2 heal back from carrying the sport of boxing
Jake Paul was just talking … er, posting. That’s what he does.
Tony Bellew blasted the YouTuber-turned-boxer after Paul declared on social media that he carries the sport of boxing. “You couldn’t carry the jockstrap of a proper BOXER son,” Bellew, the former cruiserweight champ, responded on Twitter.
I had the same reaction initially. I wanted to say to Paul, “A Canelo Alvarez workout would generate bigger pay-per-view numbers than your fights,” even if that’s not true. I thought better of it, though.
Paul’s shtick is pushing people’s buttons, that and doing outrageous things. That’s how he gets attention. And the attention translates to money, of which he has a great deal.
He’s smart. And, yes, he’s bringing news eyes to boxing. That can’t be bad.
Also, he has never claimed to be an elite boxer, only a beginner who works hard and is learning quickly. That’s true. He knows after a few years in the gym that he’ll lose if he faces a more-advanced boxer.
I’m impressed with Paul’s savvy. And I’m mildly amused by him, both out of the ring and in it. He definitely deserves some props for the viral shot that ended Tyron Woodley’s night last month.
My advice to Bellew and others who think (with only minimal justification) that Paul is hijacking boxing: Don’t take him too seriously. He’s not hurting anyone except the non-boxers he faces.
Julio Cesar Martinez knocked out Joel Cordova in six rounds to retain his flyweight title Saturday in Mexico.
Julio Cesar Martinez demonstrated again on Saturday why the great 115-pounders had better watch their backs.
Martinez, making the third defense of his WBC 112-pound title, knocked out Joel Cordova in the sixth round in Guadalajara, Mexico, the home country of both fighters.
Cordova (12-5-2, 3 KOs) gave Martinez (18-1, 14 KOs) problems in the early rounds as he eluded many of the champion’s punches and landed some of his own. However, by the fourth round, Martinez figured out Cordova and took control of the fight.
In Round 6, Martinez put Cordova down with a left hand and then pounced on him again once he got to his feet. He was pounding Cordova in a corner when the referee stopped the fight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcvwyBzoV94
“He was tougher than I expected. We are all here to win,” Martinez said through a translator.
Martinez said he wants to stay at 112 for now to unify titles. However, he has said in the past that his goal is to tangle with the likes of Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada, who fight at 115.
You can bet they took notice of his work on Saturday.
Julio Cesar Martinez knocked out Joel Cordova in six rounds to retain his flyweight title Saturday in Mexico.
Julio Cesar Martinez demonstrated again on Saturday why the great 115-pounders had better watch their backs.
Martinez, making the third defense of his WBC 112-pound title, knocked out Joel Cordova in the sixth round in Guadalajara, Mexico, the home country of both fighters.
Cordova (12-5-2, 3 KOs) gave Martinez (18-1, 14 KOs) problems in the early rounds as he eluded many of the champion’s punches and landed some of his own. However, by the fourth round, Martinez figured out Cordova and took control of the fight.
In Round 6, Martinez put Cordova down with a left hand and then pounced on him again once he got to his feet. He was pounding Cordova in a corner when the referee stopped the fight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcvwyBzoV94
“He was tougher than I expected. We are all here to win,” Martinez said through a translator.
Martinez said he wants to stay at 112 for now to unify titles. However, he has said in the past that his goal is to tangle with the likes of Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada, who fight at 115.
You can bet they took notice of his work on Saturday.
Good, bad, worse: A look back at David Benavidez’s KO, the Estrada-Gonzalez war and the passing of Marvin Hagler.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Ronald Ellis (right) have a spirited effort but was still annihilated. Amanda Westcott / Showtime
I wouldn’t pick any 168-pounder to beat titleholder Canelo Alvarez but I wouldn’t be shocked if David Benavidez pulled it off.
The 24-year-old two-time super middleweight champ demonstrated again against Ronald Ellis on Saturday night that he would be a formidable test even for a top pound-for-pounder, as Ellis found out the hard way in Uncasville, Conn.
Ellis looked sharp to me, landing his jab and enough power punches to give Benavidez some resistance. And he obviously was fit and tough, which allowed him to survive 10-plus rounds.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this version of Ellis is nearly as good as Callum Smith and perhaps Billy Joe Saunders, which is a compliment. And he simply had no hope of beating Benavidez, who was better and physically superior in every way.
Benavidez delivered a brutal beating, breaking Ellis down with constant pressure and punishing shots to every legal target on the body until referee Johnny Callas had no choice but to end the slaughter in Round 11, giving Benavidez the impressive victory he needed after losing his title on the scale before his previous fight.
Benavidez outlanded Ellis 341 to 184, nearly a 2-to-1 ratio, according to CompuBox. However, his accuracy is what stands out. He landed an eye-popping 54% of his power shots, 47% overall.
To say this guy is dangerous is an understatement.
Benavidez has set his sights on 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo and 168-pound champions Caleb Plant and Alvarez, all of whom would pose a bigger threat than Ellis on paper. I think he beats Charlo (too big) and plant (too good all-around).
That leaves Alvarez. Again, I would pick Alvarez to win because of his ability and experience but I would be tempted to go with the underdog. I believe he’s that good.
***
BAD
Juan Francisco was fortunate to emerge with a victory and his titles. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom
The “bad” here is that someone had to lose the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez fight on Saturday in Dallas.
The little giants gave fans exactly what they expected, a classic brawl between two of the most gifted and toughest small fighters of their era. They combined to throw an astounding 2,529 punches, according to CompuBox. That’s more than 200 per round.
In other words, they not only gave an impressive display of ability and endurance, they gave their hearts. That’s something that’s never lost on fans.
Estrada, hoping to avenge his unanimous-decision loss to Gonzalez back in 2012, had his hand raised in the end. The scores were 117-111 and 115-113 for Estrada and 115-113 for Gonzalez, a split decision.
The result was somewhat controversial – many seem to believe that Gonzalez deserved the nod – but few are going to begrudge the Mexican a victory after the monumental effort he gave in a close, competitive fight.
I just feel sorry for Gonzalez, who was written off after consecutive losses to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2017 only to bounce back and reclaim another 115-pound title.
“Chocolatito” already is a legend. A victory over Estrada would’ve taken him to the next level, whatever that is. And it was within his grasp. Again, looking a lot like a peak version of himself, the remarkable Gonzalez arguably did enough to win.
He certainly wasn’t crushed by his fate. The man of faith was gracious afterward, saying the result was God’s will. He knew how close he came to accomplishing something truly special, though. And he must be frustrated.
Here’s the good news: Estrada is expected to defend against mandatory challenger Sor Rungvisai in his next fight but made it clear more than once that he wants to face Gonzalez a third time.
Let’s hope that happens soon. Gonzalez deserves it. And so do the fans.
***
WORSE
Marvin Hagler celebrates his historic victory over Thomas Hearns. AP Photo
The death of a legend is often difficult to comprehend.
Marvin Hagler was an indestructible force as an active fighter, one who made his name by annihilating a long list of quality opponents during his Hall of Fame career. The idea that he’s dead – at only 66 – is both shocking and depressing.
That’s because of the way we felt about him once upon a time, the way he made us feel when he did his thing, the memories.
Hagler was beyond fun to watch; he was awesome, in the literal sense of the word.
The fights with Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard stand out most, the former having been one of the sport’s greatest brawls and the latter a stunning upset that prompted Hagler to retire.
He had 65 other professional assignments, though. I remember watching his fights against Vito Antuofermo, Alan Minter, Mustafa Hamso, Juan Roldan, Tony Sibson and John Mugabi and being mesmerized by his ability to destroy another man within a relatively short amount of time.
He could box, he could punch and his chin was legendary. He went down only once, against Roldan, and that was probably what Hagler’s said it was – a slip.
He was the most machine-like of the Four Kings — Hagler, Leonard, Hearns and Roberto Duran — in terms of his efficiency. And you can’t hurt a machine built as well as Hagler. He was the closest thing to superhuman I’ve ever seen in the ring.
And now he’s gone. Hard to believe. Rest in peace, champ.
RABBIT PUNCHES
Jessica McCaskill proved on the Estrada-Gonzalez card that her victory over Cecilia Braekhus in August was no fluke, winning a wide unanimous decision in the rematch. McCaskill, a late starter, doesn’t have great technique but she’s fast, strong and fearless. Would she beat Katie Taylor or Claressa Shields? Probably not. But she’d go down swinging. … Lightweight contender Isaac Cruz was fortunate to emerge victorious over relative unknown Jose Matias Romero, who largely defused Cruz’s aggressive style by doing whatever it took — getting off first, moving, holding, anything. Cruz, fighting on the Benavidez-Ellis card, won a unanimous decision but it was close. … Carlos Sucre’s 117-111 card for Estrada — nine rounds to three — was too wide. I could see seven rounds for the Mexican, maybe eight if you gave him every benefit of the doubt. However, nine rounds wasn’t reasonable. Image throwing 1,317 punches — as Gonzalez did — and winning only three rounds. At least it wasn’t a robbery. Estrada arguably did enough to win. … Sor Rungvisai’s third-round stoppage of fellow veteran Kwanthai Sithmorseng on Friday in Thailand was impressive. He looked like a peak version of himself at 34. I think he remains a threat to any top 115-pounder, including Estrada and Gonzalez.
Good, bad, worse: A look back at David Benavidez’s KO, the Estrada-Gonzalez war and the passing of Marvin Hagler.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Ronald Ellis (right) have a spirited effort but was still annihilated. Amanda Westcott / Showtime
I wouldn’t pick any 168-pounder to beat titleholder Canelo Alvarez but I wouldn’t be shocked if David Benavidez pulled it off.
The 24-year-old two-time super middleweight champ demonstrated again against Ronald Ellis on Saturday night that he would be a formidable test even for a top pound-for-pounder, as Ellis found out the hard way in Uncasville, Conn.
Ellis looked sharp to me, landing his jab and enough power punches to give Benavidez some resistance. And he obviously was fit and tough, which allowed him to survive 10-plus rounds.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this version of Ellis is nearly as good as Callum Smith and perhaps Billy Joe Saunders, which is a compliment. And he simply had no hope of beating Benavidez, who was better and physically superior in every way.
Benavidez delivered a brutal beating, breaking Ellis down with constant pressure and punishing shots to every legal target on the body until referee Johnny Callas had no choice but to end the slaughter in Round 11, giving Benavidez the impressive victory he needed after losing his title on the scale before his previous fight.
Benavidez outlanded Ellis 341 to 184, nearly a 2-to-1 ratio, according to CompuBox. However, his accuracy is what stands out. He landed an eye-popping 54% of his power shots, 47% overall.
To say this guy is dangerous is an understatement.
Benavidez has set his sights on 160-pound titleholder Jermall Charlo and 168-pound champions Caleb Plant and Alvarez, all of whom would pose a bigger threat than Ellis on paper. I think he beats Charlo (too big) and plant (too good all-around).
That leaves Alvarez. Again, I would pick Alvarez to win because of his ability and experience but I would be tempted to go with the underdog. I believe he’s that good.
***
BAD
Juan Francisco was fortunate to emerge with a victory and his titles. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom
The “bad” here is that someone had to lose the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez fight on Saturday in Dallas.
The little giants gave fans exactly what they expected, a classic brawl between two of the most gifted and toughest small fighters of their era. They combined to throw an astounding 2,529 punches, according to CompuBox. That’s more than 200 per round.
In other words, they not only gave an impressive display of ability and endurance, they gave their hearts. That’s something that’s never lost on fans.
Estrada, hoping to avenge his unanimous-decision loss to Gonzalez back in 2012, had his hand raised in the end. The scores were 117-111 and 115-113 for Estrada and 115-113 for Gonzalez, a split decision.
The result was somewhat controversial – many seem to believe that Gonzalez deserved the nod – but few are going to begrudge the Mexican a victory after the monumental effort he gave in a close, competitive fight.
I just feel sorry for Gonzalez, who was written off after consecutive losses to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2017 only to bounce back and reclaim another 115-pound title.
“Chocolatito” already is a legend. A victory over Estrada would’ve taken him to the next level, whatever that is. And it was within his grasp. Again, looking a lot like a peak version of himself, the remarkable Gonzalez arguably did enough to win.
He certainly wasn’t crushed by his fate. The man of faith was gracious afterward, saying the result was God’s will. He knew how close he came to accomplishing something truly special, though. And he must be frustrated.
Here’s the good news: Estrada is expected to defend against mandatory challenger Sor Rungvisai in his next fight but made it clear more than once that he wants to face Gonzalez a third time.
Let’s hope that happens soon. Gonzalez deserves it. And so do the fans.
***
WORSE
Marvin Hagler celebrates his historic victory over Thomas Hearns. AP Photo
The death of a legend is often difficult to comprehend.
Marvin Hagler was an indestructible force as an active fighter, one who made his name by annihilating a long list of quality opponents during his Hall of Fame career. The idea that he’s dead – at only 66 – is both shocking and depressing.
That’s because of the way we felt about him once upon a time, the way he made us feel when he did his thing, the memories.
Hagler was beyond fun to watch; he was awesome, in the literal sense of the word.
The fights with Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard stand out most, the former having been one of the sport’s greatest brawls and the latter a stunning upset that prompted Hagler to retire.
He had 65 other professional assignments, though. I remember watching his fights against Vito Antuofermo, Alan Minter, Mustafa Hamso, Juan Roldan, Tony Sibson and John Mugabi and being mesmerized by his ability to destroy another man within a relatively short amount of time.
He could box, he could punch and his chin was legendary. He went down only once, against Roldan, and that was probably what Hagler’s said it was – a slip.
He was the most machine-like of the Four Kings — Hagler, Leonard, Hearns and Roberto Duran — in terms of his efficiency. And you can’t hurt a machine built as well as Hagler. He was the closest thing to superhuman I’ve ever seen in the ring.
And now he’s gone. Hard to believe. Rest in peace, champ.
RABBIT PUNCHES
Jessica McCaskill proved on the Estrada-Gonzalez card that her victory over Cecilia Braekhus in August was no fluke, winning a wide unanimous decision in the rematch. McCaskill, a late starter, doesn’t have great technique but she’s fast, strong and fearless. Would she beat Katie Taylor or Claressa Shields? Probably not. But she’d go down swinging. … Lightweight contender Isaac Cruz was fortunate to emerge victorious over relative unknown Jose Matias Romero, who largely defused Cruz’s aggressive style by doing whatever it took — getting off first, moving, holding, anything. Cruz, fighting on the Benavidez-Ellis card, won a unanimous decision but it was close. … Carlos Sucre’s 117-111 card for Estrada — nine rounds to three — was too wide. I could see seven rounds for the Mexican, maybe eight if you gave him every benefit of the doubt. However, nine rounds wasn’t reasonable. Image throwing 1,317 punches — as Gonzalez did — and winning only three rounds. At least it wasn’t a robbery. Estrada arguably did enough to win. … Sor Rungvisai’s third-round stoppage of fellow veteran Kwanthai Sithmorseng on Friday in Thailand was impressive. He looked like a peak version of himself at 34. I think he remains a threat to any top 115-pounder, including Estrada and Gonzalez.
Juan Francisco Estrada eked past Roman Gonzalez in a classic brawl Saturday in Dallas.
For Juan Francisco Estrada, it was worth the wait. The same goes for the fans.
Estrada and Roman Gonzalez served up a classic brawl Saturday night at American Airlines Center in Dallas, eight-plus years after Gonzalez defeated a relatively unknown Estrada by a unanimous decision in a 108-pound fight.
This time, Estrada had his hand raised by a split decision, which allowed him to unify two 115-pound titles and take firm control of the division.
The Mexican had to go through hell to do it, though. Gonzalez, who rebuilt his career after consecutive losses in 2017, was near his best at 33 years old in a grueling fight that could’ve gone either way.
That fact wasn’t lost on Estrada, who said a third fight between them is in order.
“I think I did enough to win [but] Chocolatito is a great fighter. I think he deserves the trilogy,” he said.
Roman Gonzalez (right) gave a vintage performance but came up just short. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
Estrada (42-3, 28 KOs) got off to a strong start, outboxing and outworking Gonzalez (50-3, 41 KOs) in first few rounds.
Then Gonzalez picked up his punch rate and the battle began in earnest. Estrada did a good job of fighting off his jab, beating Gonzalez to the punch, throwing quick combinations and moving much of the fight.
However, the Nicaraguan’s relentless pressure forced his Mexican rival into regular fire fights, which served Gonzalez well. He often landed the cleaner, more-eye-catching punches when he was in range.
Remarkably, given the ability and power of both fighters, neither of them was seriously hurt over the 12 taxing rounds.
The fight seemed to be close going into the final few rounds, which was reflected in the scoring of two official judges and the Boxing Junkie scorecard. That perception probably accounted for insane punch rates for both fighters in Rounds 11 and 12.
In the end, two judges scored it for Estrada (117-111 and 115-113) and one had Gonzalez winning (115-113). Boxing Junkie scored it a 114-114 draw.
Estrada was pleased — and fortunate — to remain a titleholder. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
Estrada was told by his trainer before the start of Round 10 that he needed a knockout to win the fight, which might have been his way of trying to motivate his fighter. The fighter was asked afterward where he thought he stood at that point.
“I knew it was a close fight,” he said through a translator. “I didn’t know if I was up or down. I knew I had to close out the fight the last two rounds.”
Gonzalez accepted the defeat in a typically gracious manner.
“Whatever happened had to happen,” he said. “I gave it a good fight. I would’ve been happy either way with the result. I did my work.”
The more he spoke the more emotional he became.
“It was a better fight than the first one,” he said. “I felt strong and I felt I won. In the last round I gave it all. It was a great round. That’s what God wanted, the result was what God wanted.
“And I’m happy because I’m going back home to see my family.”
Next up for Estrada is mandatory challenger Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who stopped Kwanthai Sithmorseng after three rounds on Friday in Thailand.
Estrada, who took Sor Rungvisai’s title in 2019, confirmed in so many words that he would follow through on that obligation but reiterated that fans can expect to see one more fight between him and Gonzalez before all is said and done.
“Rungvisai is the mandatory so I’ll look at that,” he said. “But I’ll approach a third fight any day with Chocolatito.”
